Pet allergies occur when your pet's immune system over-reacts to foreign substances in your pet's body, causing an allergic reaction. These reactions may range from dry, itchy skin to skin rashes, chronic ear infections, and other symptoms. Fortunately, there are ways to help your pet find relief from severe allergy symptoms. At Amelia Pointe Animal Hospital & Daycare in Fernandina Beach, we can diagnose your pet’s condition and recommend treatments to alleviate irritating allergy symptoms.
Pet Allergy Causes and Symptoms
Pets can suffer from various types of allergies prompted by different allergens.
- Flea allergies are triggered by chemicals in flea saliva, causing such symptoms as red, bumpy skin, scabs, itchiness, and fur loss. By ridding your pet of fleas, you can protect your pet against these issues.
- Food allergies are triggered by ingredients in your pet’s food, generally proteins from beef, lamb, wheat, or dairy products. Food allergies can result in skin irritations, chronic ear infections, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Environmental and seasonal allergies can be triggered by substances in your pet’s environment such as dust, pollen, plants, garden products, chemicals in household products, or ingredients in your pet's grooming products. Contact with these allergens can produce skin problems like itchiness, skin rash, open sores, skin infections, and fur loss.
Unusual irritations on your pet's skin could be a sign of allergies. If your pet develops these symptoms, schedule a check-up with your veterinarian. The sooner your pet care specialist diagnoses your pet’s condition, the sooner he can get relief.
Pet Allergy Diagnosis
By conducting skin tests, blood tests, culture samples, and food trials, your vet can determine if allergies are the cause of your pet’s symptoms. If so, we will try to pinpoint the allergen that is producing the reaction so you can eliminate it from your pet’s environment or diet. This will help reduce your pet’s symptoms.
Pet Allergy Treatment
One of the most practical ways to minimize or eliminate your pet's allergy symptoms is to keep your pet from coming into contact with the allergen triggering his allergic reaction. To do so, you may need to change aspects of your furry friend’s diet, lifestyle, or environment. For seasonal allergies, your veterinarian can prescribe medication or recommend topical sprays or special shampoos to relieve skin problems. Working closely with your veterinarian is key to resolving pet allergy issues.
See Our Veterinarian for Diagnosis and Treatment of Pet Allergies
Don’t let allergies ruin your pet’s zest for life. Contact Amelia Pointe Animal Hospital & Daycare in Fernandina Beach, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Branch. We’re here to meet all of your pet care needs. Call our team today at (904) 310-9990 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.